Little Gem No. 124 | Piano Noble

Sarvie and Jasper are real estate developers who help international buyers find, acquire and restore historic homes in Italy. One of their early projects was this almost 400-year-old palazzo in Lesa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. In 2025, they carefully restored its garden-floor apartment, Piano Nobile, preserving its historic character while bringing the kitchen and bathroom up to date.

Set in the historic centre of Lesa, the apartment is just 50 metres from the lake. A private garden, mature plants and views across the water make it feel removed from the town, although the lakeside promenade, cafés and restaurants are only a few steps away.

The restoration brings together original details and modern comforts, from traditional flooring and an early nineteenth-century fireplace to contemporary kitchen and bathroom fittings. Sarvie and Jasper live nearby and are usually available to welcome guests personally, meet for a coffee or share recommendations for exploring the area.

The Space

Piano Nobile measures 100 square metres, with ceilings reaching five metres high. The central Great Room brings together the living and dining areas, framed by two opposing fireplaces. The apartment retains much of the palazzo's original character, including cotto variegato flooring, cementine tiles in the kitchen and a fireplace dating from 1809.

The furniture is a collection of Italian vintage and design pieces from the 1960s and 1970s. In contrast, the kitchen and bathroom were renovated in 2025, combining contemporary fittings with the older architectural details. There is also a washer-dryer and high-speed fibre-optic internet.

The bedroom looks towards the surrounding mountains and the Alps.

Outside, a large, fully enclosed private garden surrounds the apartment. A pedestrian gate opens directly onto the lake and promenade, while a separate entrance allows guests to park securely within the garden walls. There is space to dine at a table for six, a barbecue and fire pit, and a lounge area for spending time outdoors. From the garden, the view across Lake Maggiore is a constant presence.

The apartment and garden make a private and peaceful base for two, with the lake and village life close at hand.

Location

Piano Nobile is on the garden floor of an ancient palazzo in the historic centre of Lesa, a quiet lakeside town between Stresa and Arona. Both are around a ten-minute drive away.

Lesa has a good choice of restaurants within walking distance, as well as cafés and places to swim along the lake. The town has its own rhythm, with a farmers' market by the waterfront every Thursday and local events throughout the summer.

For a change of scene, Arona offers more shopping and evening life, while Stresa is the departure point for boat trips to the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre.

What Makes It So Special

The appeal of Piano Nobile lies in the combination of an old Italian palazzo, a private garden and a location that allows you to experience Lake Maggiore on foot. You can walk through the gate to the promenade for a swim, find a table at a local restaurant or spend an afternoon in the garden without needing to go anywhere at all.

Lesa has plenty to explore beyond the waterfront. Sporting Lesa has a swimming pool, gym, tennis and padel courts; the surrounding area has ancient lakeside walking trails, and boats can be hired from the nearby harbour at Solcio. Restaurants include Batti Paolo, listed in the Michelin Guide, alongside Al Camino, Il Rapanello and La Riva.

For a weekend away, the town offers a quieter alternative to the busier centres of the lake, while Stresa and Arona remain close enough for an easy outing.

A Perfect Italian Weekend

Sarvie and Jasper share their idea of a perfect Italian weekend in Lesa, with their own recommendations for enjoying the town and the lake.

Read their weekend guide here.

Price Indication

Prices start from €200 per night from September to May and €250 per night from June to August.

Bookings

For availability, more information or to book directly, click the Availability button above. It will take you straight to the owners.

Nearest Airport

Trains to Milan taking around one hour. Milan Malpensa Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive away.

Nearest Train station

Lesa train station is approximately a ten-minute walk from the apartment, with trains to Milan taking around one hour. Milan Malpensa Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive away.